Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

Which term refers to a disease's ability to be passed from one host to another?

1. Infectious Disease

2. Communicable Disease

3. Contagious Disease

4. Nosocomial Infection

The correct answer is: Communicable Disease

The term that refers to a disease's ability to be passed from one host to another is "communicable disease." This term specifically captures the concept of transmission, emphasizing that the disease can spread between individuals through direct contact, respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or other means. While "infectious disease" is a broader category that includes any illness caused by pathogens (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites), it does not specifically address the transmission aspect. On the other hand, "contagious disease" is often used interchangeably with communicable diseases but typically indicates a higher level of infectiousness, suggesting that the disease spreads easily, often through casual contact. "Nosocomial infection," however, refers specifically to infections acquired in a healthcare setting, which does not pertain to the general ability of a disease to be transmitted from one person to another. Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial in fields related to public health and epidemiology, as it affects how diseases are treated and prevented.